Health Complex - Patient Education - CPAP Maintenance and your Health

Home Oxygen & Sleep Specialists
Your Health . . . Our Concern . . . At Home
Serving Connecticut for over 20 years
Toll Free Phone: 1.888.575.7778
Toll Free Fax: 1.800.221.3003

CPAP Maintenance and your Health

CARE OF YOUR CPAP

Proper care of your CPAP device and mask system helps ensure that you receive optimal therapy. Like an automobile that needs an occasional tune-up, your CPAP device and mask have parts that require periodic cleaning and replacement. In many circumstances, your insurance provider will cover the replacement costs of the parts. Remember that you should not stop your CPAP treatment without the approval of your physician.

You may be entitled to replace the following equipment per the replacement schedule below

Please call us to review your insurance policy's replacement schedule - 1.888.575.7778

CODE	EQUIPMENT	FREQUENCY
A7034	Nasal Application Device (mask)	1 every 3 months
A7033	Nasal Pillows	2 per month
A7035	Headgear	1 every 6 months
A7036	Chinstrap	1 every 6 months
A7037	Tubing	1 every 3 months
A4604	Heated Wire Tubing	1 every 3 months
A7038	Disposable Filters	2 per month
A7039	Non-disposable Filters	1 every 6 months
K0553	Hybrid style device	1 every 3 months
K0554	Hybrid cushion replacement	2 per month
K0555	Hybrid pillows replacement	2 per month

HELPFUL HINTS - Cleaning, Use & Maintenance

CPAP DEVICE

Your CPAP device does not require regular servicing. However, to increase the life of your machine and ensure that it continues to work well, air filters should be changed regularly. A blocked air filter may hinder a CPAP device's ability to deliver accurate treatment pressure. Contact us if you feel there has been a change in the pressure you are receiving or if you find the pressure intolerable. We can test the pressure delivered by your CPAP device to make sure that it still matches your physician's prescription.

MASK SYSTEM

The mask frame, cushion, and headgear should be kept clean so that the mask continues to provide a quality seal. Wash your face each night to remove excess facial oils and minimize the build-up on your mask between cleanings. Every few days, the mask, headgear, and cushion should be hand-washed in lukewarm, soapy water. Use pure soaps; do NOT use oils, bleach, moisturizing or anti-bacterial soaps, or any chlorine compounds to wash mask components. Rinse components thoroughly and dry them out of direct sunlight. Contact us if you notice any signs of deterioration in your mask system. It is important to maintain a leak-free fit.

(1) Wash your face with soap and water each evening before donning your mask.

(2) Wash your mask each day when you arise. Use a mild soap and water.

(3) Replace your mask as often as your insurance permits (Medicare guidelines allow for a replacement mask quarterly or 4 times/year.)

(4) Access information on new masks on manufacturer's web sites, i.e., ResMed

(5) Attend sleep support groups or A.W.A.K.E. group meetings.

(6) Follow manufacturer's recommendations for fitting and cleaning your mask.

(7) Expensive masks aren't always the best.

HEADGEAR

(1) Do not tighten headgear.

(2) Wash your headgear periodically (once per week is usually sufficient.)

(3) Replace your headgear as often as your insurance will allow. (Medicare guidelines allow for a replacement headgear once every six months.)

HUMIDIFIERS

Humidifiers are sometimes indicated for the following conditions: dryness of nose or mouth (or both), bloody nose, serial sneezing, chronic stuffy nose, chronic runny nose or inability to tolerate CPAP therapy.

Most insurance companies now pay for heated and cool humidifiers. When in doubt, contact your DME company for more details.

(1) If you are using a humidifier, it is very important that you are diligent about cleaning the humidifier chamber each day with soap and water.

(2) At least once per week, soak the humidifier chamber in a 1:3 solution of white vinegar and water. Let soak for approximately 30 minutes, then rinse well and let air dry.

(3) Humidifiers are sometimes indicated for the following conditions: dryness of nose or mouth

AIR TUBING

Air tubing should be cleaned weekly. Use warm, soapy water to wash the tubing. Dry the tubing out of direct sunlight. UV rays will break down the plastic. Replace the tubing if you notice any signs of deterioration.

Standard tubing is 6 feet. You are able to couple two lengths (12 feet total) of tubing if necessary. It is not recommended to make the tubing any longer, as you will not be guaranteed to be getting the full diagnostic pressure that is necessary to maintain your airway.

Check your hose monthly by running your CPAP and occluding the end where your mask attaches. With the CPAP running, move your hose in different positions and feel along the corrugations for leaks. Your hose should be cleaned at least once per week. Clean according to manufacturer instructions or soak in warm soapy water and rinse well. Hang up on the clothesline or over shower bar to dry.

(1) Tubing for CPAP/BiLevel therapy is "smooth" on the inside, not corrugated.

(2) Replace your tubing as often as your insurance permits. Medicare guidelines allow tubing replacement monthly. Check with us to see how often yours can be replaced.

FILTERS

Most CPAP machines come with at least a "disposable" filter. The disposable filters are usually made of a floss or paper type material. They vary in color and size and it is recommended that they are replaced at least once per month or when they turn gray or brown in color. Do not attempt to wash these types of filters, as they are made to be replaced. Medicare guidelines allow 2 replacement disposable filters per month.

Some CPAP machines also have a "re-usable" filter. These filters are usually made of a "sponge" type material and are able to be cleaned by either vacuuming them or washing them in plain water and letting air dry. You should replace the re-usable filter every six months or if it becomes green in color (it may be growing a mold!) or if it becomes brittle. Medicare guidelines allow one replacement re-usable filter every six months.

CHINSTRAPS

Chinstraps are designed to help keep the mouth closed during sleep. They should not be put on so tightly that you could not open your mouth in the event of an emergency, i.e., if you had to vomit, etc. Not everyone who uses CPAP uses a chinstrap. In fact, some people only use their chinstrap when they first start therapy and then become accustomed to keeping their mouth closed during CPAP therapy. If you're using a chinstrap, it should be "hand-washed" at least once per week (or as often as you think is appropriate.) Medicare guidelines allow a new chinstrap every six months. Check with us to see how often yours can be replaced.

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